Gardening in winter? Ask him how

October 23, 2012

Good 2 Gro Hydroponics' Steve Michaliszyn serving up an order for his homemade "compost tea." The business is located at 1177 S. Main Street, Colville. Call 509-684-5210.

Just because the weather is getting colder, doesn't mean gardening has to be over. That's where Good 2 Gro Hydroponics comes in. Owned and operated by Steve Michaliszyn, the business caters to those with green thumbs or amateur gardening enthusiasts. Growing lights, organic soil, microbes, planting bins---whatever is needed to get vegetation sprouting, it's here.
"So far I think I am getting a huge amount of enthusiasm for the customers that are finding me," says Michaliszyn. "A lot of people are excited not to have to drive 70 miles to Spokane to find what they need."
To celebrate his new venture, Michaliszyn will hold an Open House at Good 2 Gro Saturday, Oct. 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be free donuts and coffee. There will also be a hydroponics demonstration.
According to Michaliszyn, hydroponics is a subset of hydroculture and is a method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions, in water, without soil.
"This way, you really can garden year round," enthuses Michaliszyn. "It may sound complicated, but once you see how it works, it's not. It's really exciting and is something you can do in your garage, in a shed or even in your house without taking up too much room."
Michaliszyn also makes his own mixture of microbial tea, or "compost tea" on site. The special tea serves as a way to improve plant nutrition and disease resistance.
"It's good stuff," Michaliszyn says, smiling. "Annuals, perennials--they all love it and it's gentle on your soil."
Michaliszyn originally hails from Alaska, but he has traveled back and forth between Stevens County and the Tri-Cities for the past 23 years. He recently moved his family to their home on the Orin-Rice Road.
"I'm looking forward to being a part of the community," states Michaliszyn. "I encourage people to bring their questions and come check us out."
Good 2 Gro is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 684-5210.